Zanzibar, 10 days on the spice Island !

 
Travel made in July 2022
Duration : 11 days 

Welcome to Zanzibar !!

Jambo at Myoxybubble Zanzibar ! In the Swahili language “Jambo” means “Welcome”. This language is very popular in Africa. It is notably the official language of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to learn some classic Swahili words such as “Hakuna matata” (no worries), “Karibu” (nothing) or “Habari gani” (how are you?).
In Africa, the Swahili population is very welcoming, respectful, caring and smiling. You will be welcomed with open arms.
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago that bathes in a heavenly turquoise Indian ocean. Very often the discovery of Zanzibar is combined with a safari in Tanzania. The latter remaining a substantial budget we decided to reserve the expedition in the middle of the savannah for another time.
Today, I am going to offer you a moment of escape on the magnificent dream beaches of Zanzibar and its wildlife.

Our itinerary

You can click on all the photos in this article in order to view them in large format

Zanzibar, 10 days on the spice island !

Day 1 : 1st discoveries of the Spice island

# How to get around Zanzibar?

The most convenient means of transport on the island of zanzibar remains taxis or public transport such as the dala dala.
The dala dala will cost you less. This mode of transport allows you to live an exceptional experience by being as close as possible to the locals. Be careful, do not look for a bus stop in Zanzibar! You won’t find any! From the side of the road, wave to the driver and the driver will stop. The destination is indicated on the windshield of the dala dala.

Indeed, car rentals on the island are not cheap. Driving is quite difficult there, not to mention the difficulty of parking in cities like Stone Town.

Attention, if you opt for the taxi, do not hesitate to negotiate! In general, the prices are fixed, but sometimes it is at the head of the tourist.

Before your arrival on the Spice Island, I advise you to organize your transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance (your host will help you) in order to benefit from a better price.

# Where to stay in Nungwi ?

We tested for you the Bed & Breakfast Mawimbi bungalows located in Nungwi in the north of Zanzibar.
The journey will be 1h30 from the airport. The transfer cost us $45. As soon as you arrive, a Maasai local will open the gate for you.

The enclosure of the hotel residence is fenced and secure. You will be immersed in a tropical garden surrounded by frangipani, banana, guava and pineapple trees. The hotel complex has several typical bungalows with a view of a beautiful swimming pool and the restaurant.

The owner Carla is very welcoming. Count $65 per night and a tourist tax of $7.50/person and per day. This B&B serves a good and hearty breakfast included in the price. You will compose your breakfast by ticking what you want (fresh fruit, coffee, tea, omelet, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, sausage, toast, pancakes, butter, etc.).

The little extra being that your accommodation will be only 5 minutes walk from one of the most beautiful beaches in the north of zanzibar. A real crush on this heavenly beach with turquoise blue water and fine white sand! Look no further, paradise is here! The beaches in the north of Zanzibar look exactly like the dream beaches of postcards!

# What to do in Nungwi ?

From the splendid beach of Nungwi, many excursions are available to you. Indeed, many locals will accost you to sell you excursions, such as the visit of the paradise islands Safari Blue, Nakupenda, Mnemba Island or Prison Island. Other activities are offered such as a visit to Jovani Forest or a spice farm (spicy tour).
The locals live mainly from tourism.

Do not hesitate to negotiate. However, if you are not interested, they will leave with a smile and will remain very respectful and with a lot of empathy by answering Hakuna Matata!

On the island, souvenirs and excursions are not cheap! Here are some examples of activities that we have tested for you:

# African mats

On site, the temptation is great! For example, my daughter fell in love as soon as we arrived for the famous African mats! The result was magnificent! The service was of high quality and exceeded our expectations. A real little African!

The hairdresser was very professional. She knew how to adapt the braids on European hair without pulling too much on the scalp. The creation of African mats of this length cost us $30 after negotiation. The original price was $50. Do not hesitate to haggle!

Day 2 : Mnemba Island, Zanzibar’s paradise !

# Trip to Mnemba Island !

Welcome to Mnemba Island! This 1.5km island is also called Bill Gates Island because he would have privatized it for a while.! It is forbidden to dock there but it is possible to snorkel around the island.
Mnemba Island is home to a 5-star luxury hotel! Only people who have reserved a room can claim to land on this island surrounded by mesmerizing turquoise blue water that will leave you dreaming. It’s heaven on earth! For a honeymoon, a marriage proposal or a dream vacation to the rhythm of the stars, I invite you to treat yourself to 1 or 2 nights of romance and the privilege of living the blue dream on the island of Mnemba at &Beyond Mnemba Island hotel.
My motto “Do not dream your life but live your dreams!”.

 

Put on your mask and snorkel and set off to explore the magnificent seabed of this giant natural aquarium!
I promise you an experience worthy of a childhood dream!

Who has never dreamed of swimming with dolphins in their natural environment? Mnemba Island is the most popular place to watch and swim with dolphins in Zanzibar! It is imperative to go to meet its mammals early in the morning because in the afternoon, they dive into the deep blue of the ocean to seek freshness and escape the heat. In Zanzibar, it is possible to swim with them throughout the year. The dolphins have taken possession of this blue Eden. You will be amazed! You will dive in the middle of the Indian Ocean with around thirty dolphins accompanied by their young.

Many local agencies in Nungwi offer the “dolphins tour”. Count $30/person to live this extraordinary experience! From the start, the thrills will be felt when you surf the waves of a turquoise blue Indian Ocean to reach the island of Mnemba.

You will live a waking dream in front of this postcard setting. Departure will be at 8:15 a.m. and return will be around 1 p.m. Several dolphin dives will be on the program. In the morning, a fruit snack will be provided on board the boat.
Does this adventure tempt you? Here are the contact details of the local agency Giandu di Zanzibar located on the beach in Nungwi (address: 1517 Po box).
Do not hesitate to contact Samir Juma Hamis on WhatsApp Tel +255 620636827.

# Sunset aboard the Sergenti Dhow !

This excursion did not appeal to me.
At first sight, the Dhow ride (former sailboat) takes place not far from the beach and allows you to admire the sunset. You won’t really take off. A little extra, traditional music will sublimate the show and a small aperitif will be served on board in joy and good humor.
But the spectacle offered by the sunset can also be admired from the beach.

This outing is very touristic. Many of you will be on board. The romanticism will be a little broken by this agitation aboard the Dhow. I prefer 1000 times to contemplate this free show, sitting in the sand by the sea, while sipping a cocktail in peace.

# Where to dine in Nungwi ?

Would you like a candlelit dinner, with your feet in the sand, or even your feet in the water?

Without hesitation, I recommend the Baraka restaurant! It is a restaurant by the sea where you will eat by candlelight. I promise you a very romantic moment.

A giant BBQ of grilled fresh fish will be held on site. This beautiful display and the smell of grilled meats will excite your taste buds. You will choose on the spot the fish you want to taste. It’s excellent, fresh and inexpensive!

Count 50000 chiling or 21€ for 2 people. In addition, a perfect dinner, you will enjoy the view of the ocean at sunset, the sound of the waves but also an acrobatic show of young locals!

Do not hesitate to leave them a tip in recognition of their quality show!

Day 3 : Playing tourists in Nungwi !

# Swimming with the horses !

Who has never dreamed of riding a horse on the beach in heavenly and warm blue water? Me and my daughter fell in love with this activity worthy of a fairy tale! Yes the attraction is very touristy but the experience is really nice!
Plan your reservation well in advance because they are very often full. The ride will only be done at high tide for the comfort and pleasure of the horses. Especially since the edges of the beach at high tide are magnificent as you can see in the photos.

Count on a budget of $50/person to live this 30-minute experience. Do not hesitate to entrust them with your mobile phone or camera for your souvenir photo shoots and videos. The spots are beautiful!

Contact: Zanzibar Horse Club
Phone WhatsApp +255699109100 for a quick reservation! They are very responsive.

# Baraka natural aquarium turtles

On Nungwi beach, turn right from the Baraka restaurant then walk 20 minutes to the directional sign indicating “Baraka natural aquarium”.

It’s convenient, you won’t have to take a taxi to get there because you can access it directly from the beach. The 20-minute walk to the site is very pleasant. the beach is wild and you will come across adorable locals!

I advise you to go there at off-peak hours early in the morning or in the early afternoon to escape the tourist crowd.
This natural basin is home to magnificent turtles of various sizes. Some are giant! They have a very pretty colored shell.

You will be able to bathe in their company and even feed them by giving them salad. They are harmless but it can be impressive. They can apparently bite.

Personally, we haven’t had any problems there. They are not fearful at all. Count 1 hour of visit while enjoying. It will cost you $10/person.
The experience is nice but unfortunately not so natural.

Day 4 : Chill to the rhythm of Nungwi !

# Nungwi beach

Nungwi beach is the best known and most beautiful in Zanzibar! This is the beach for idleness par excellence, with a setting worthy of dream postcards. I invite you to sit on a deckchair, in the restaurant of a luxury hotel or even on the white sand on your towel and contemplate this little paradise on earth!

You will appreciate feeling the Zanzibar sun warming your body and will enjoy cooling off in this blue and translucent sea!
The only drawback is that you will be disturbed by the sellers of excursions and activities for a massage, a tattoo, braids or a coconut for example. Pretend to sleep to be quiet, it works!

# Tattoo

A little advice, do not go with a teenager! 😂
Otherwise, you will definitely give in to temptation! After the African mats, here is the tattoo!

I can recommend the charming Rachel from the “massage tattoo” store.
Here is his WhatsApp number +255657684179. It is located in Nungwi beach zanzibar.

At the end of the evening, take a seat on the restaurant terrace for dinner while admiring the magnificent and hypnotizing sunset, a ritual for every evening!

Day 5 : Off to Paje Beach !

It will cost you $50 by taxi for a transfer from Nungwi to Paje beach. It’s a price that seems expensive but you will be in a private taxi and will have 1h30 drive. Take into account that the driver must pay for gas and make the round trip. If you combine your private taxi costs end to end for your travels on the island in comparison with a car rental and the necessary refueling, then I think that the budget comes down to the same.
In Zanzibar you drive on the left (steering wheel on the right). Driving is complicated because there are a lot of pedestrians, bicycles and cars overtaking.
Be careful, I have seen several times locals get caught with binoculars by the police and fined for speeding. So a word of advice, be careful if you try to hire a car.
Again, you also have the option of the Dala Dala to minimize transport costs. It all depends on whether you have time or not.

# Where to sleep in Paje ?

Frangi Pwani is a hotel classified as “sustainable travel” because it respects the environment. Plastic is banned from the hotel. Local organic food is excellent. The hotel has a restaurant bar where breakfast is served every morning.

It is included in the price.

The establishment enjoys an ideal geographical location because it is located not even 2 minutes from the magnificent beach of Paje. The air-conditioned rooms are well appointed, spacious and clean.

 

They have a terrace and a direct view of the swimming pool.
Services such as massages, luggage storage or bicycle rental are available at an additional cost. For your comfort, you will have a free wifi connection.
Sarah, the owner of the establishment will help you book tours on the island and organize taxis. It benefits from preferential rates that are quite correct.

The only downside to the hotel is that it is located next to a landfill. But no smell is noticeable from the hotel. You’ll walk through this nasty little spot for a few meters to get to the beach.

The sunsets are gorgeous there!

Good to know: the establishment does not take credit cards but it is possible to pay by bank transfer or via PayPal.

# Arrival at Paje Beach !

Paje beach is a popular spot for all kite surfing enthusiasts, whatever the level.
It is a very famous windy beach! It is ideal for lovers of kite surfing, but also surfing!
On site, introductory courses are offered.

The beach is clean and beautiful! many restaurants line the beach for lunch and dinner.

However, be careful when swimming as there may be tiny blue jellyfish.

At first glance, the population, especially the children, are much poorer than in Nungwi. The region is very disadvantaged. They ask for food. I confess that this saddened me. For example, I had ordered a fresh coconut at the beach bar and when the children saw that I had finished drinking it, they came to ask me for the coconut, waving at me to eat it. Of course, I asked the bar to cut it in half. At first they were trying to scrape the coconut off with their fingers so I provided them with small spoons which they then politely brought back to me. They were very happy.

After taking possession of our room and discovering the adjoining beach, we suggest you visit Kuza cave.

# Visit of Kuza cave !

Access to Kuza cave is done by crossing a mini jungle of a few meters, then via a narrow passage under rock.

Kuza Natural Pool is located in a cave. The water is cool and turquoise blue.
Don’t forget your bathing suit! Be careful, because the descent slips a little. Water shoes can be useful for swimming.

 

Most visitors come to Zanzibar for its beautiful beaches, but you shouldn’t miss discovering its eclectic cultural heritage. This tour is led by a social enterprise and allows you to experience Swahili culture. You will have the chance to relax and enjoy the healing waters of an ancient sacred cave. You will be able to listen to local musicians during an improvised musical session and thus discover Zanzibar beyond the beaches.

Count 45 minutes of visit including swimming and taking photos.
The entrance fee will cost you $8 per person. Not all tours in Zanzibar are cheap!

Day 6 : Discovering the east coast

# Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is in the middle of the island of Zanzibar, on 50km2. But the sea infiltrates it, and the mangrove develops there. The latter will grow and develop only if the mangrove seed falls straight! If the seed falls flat then it will not grow. It reminds me of my trip to the mangroves in Guadeloupe at Grand Cul de Sac Marin.
At Jozani Forest you will visit this magnificent mangrove by crossing it on wooden walkways. For information, the mangrove is a natural protective barrier, which breaks the waves. She had protected Zanzibar during a tsunami.

Jozani Forest has mangroves, but also a primary forest which is now a protected park. Indeed, Jozani Forest is home to a monkey called “Red Colobus“. It is an endemic and protected species of the Spice Island. This primate is in danger of extinction. You will recognize him by his red, black and white tricolor hair.
Today, Jozani Forest is a very touristic site and many tourists come to meet the famous red colobus.

The excursion will cost you 25000 chilling. 15,000 shillings will go to the government and 10,000 shillings only for the community. Plantations are regularly destroyed by monkeys, hence the need to plant trees often. This is what justifies the price of the excursion. The site has Red Colobus monkeys as well as another very playful and not at all fearful species.

During our excursion, the guide showed us a very interesting leaf: the latter retracts when touched to protect itself. It’s the mimosa leaf. The visit is quite quick, count 1h-1h30 for the visit of the two sites.
For information, your guided tour finished you will arrive on a road. From this road, red colobus can be seen there for free! Indeed, the monkeys approach this place because there are stalls with fruit and vegetable vendors. This is a little trick to see them for less if your budget is tight.

# The Rock Restaurant

Welcome to the most unusual and famous restaurant in Zanzibar: The Rock restaurant! The latter bathes in the middle of a heavenly turquoise blue ocean.

Its access at high tide is only by boat. A Maasai rower going back and forth will pick you up and take you back to the beach, like a princess.

At low tide, you can access the restaurant on foot. Access is essentially by reservation because the restaurant is small and very popular.
Possibility to dine there or drink a cocktail. I obviously recommend the signature cocktail “The Rock”.

At the back of the restaurant, you will have a breathtaking view of the lagoon.
I advise you to reserve a place outside the restaurant and not inside.

You will be hypnotized by this blue which will amaze you! This place is emblematic of the island of Zanzibar!

The staff is smiling and welcoming. Food and cocktails are good. The setting is really beautiful, I highly recommend the Rock Restaurant experience!

# Michamvi Village

The Michamvi village, located in the east of Zanzibar has been protected from erosion. There are mangroves there. The village has become quite touristy because of its magnificent beaches. In this village, we perceive a real poverty line. Zanzibarans have a sense of hospitality. We had the chance to spend a little time with a family in the village for a pee break!

Everyone manages to live because there is a lot of mutual aid and solidarity between the inhabitants. If you are hungry, we give you. As for the rice fields of the Spice Island, they are intended to feed the population. The rice is not for sale because the production is not sufficient.

# Kae funk beach in Zanzibar 

Stop looking for the most beautiful sunset on the island!

Kae Funk will give you a fabulous show at nightfall! The beach will take on a festive air with its campfire, its trendy bar and the acrobats who put on a show!

 

The day we were there was also a very special day because it was a day of celebration. All the children of the village were very nicely dressed, in traditional costume.

I advise you to take advantage of this little corner of paradise by going there from the beginning of the afternoon to enjoy the beach and its blue lagoon. The beachfront is furnished with XXL beds with a direct view of the ocean.

There is no time limit imposed or supplement to take advantage of it. The layout is romantic. Each bed has its own heart woven from palm leaves and adorned with hibiscus leaves. The fine sand beach is very clean, calm and heavenly. In the distance, you will also see luxurious hotels on stilts by the sea.

Jour 7 : Kite Surf et ride in Ngalawa

# Aquaholics Kite & Surf Center

A little desire to practice surfing, kitesurfing or stand up paddle? I definitely recommend the Aquaholics Kite & Surf Center in Paje.

 

Beginners will learn the practice with experts! They will be perfectly supervise you, whether for the theoretical part or of course for the practice. The team will meet all your expectations, while ensuring your safety.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the lessons are adapted and the instructors really listen. For your comfort, the team speaks several languages including French.

I promise you are going to have an amazing and unforgettable time surfing the waves with Aquaholics! The material is of good quality. Kites are regularly replaced with new equipment. Used sails are recycled by a local seamstress who gives them a second life by making pockets for tablets, computers, tote bags, beach bags or even backpacks.

On site, a pretty shop sells these achievements as well as equipment that may be necessary during your kite sessions, such as glasses. Pre-booking of lessons is possible via their website. It is best to do this in high season or go directly to the store. As for stand up paddle, it is practicable only in the morning when the sea is calm and looks like a lagoon.

# Excursion in Ngalawa

Fancy an unusual experience in the open Caribbean Sea?

I promise you an unforgettable experience boarding a traditional canoe called Ngalawa. It is an outrigger boat used by locals for fishing. The experience is all the more impressive because of the narrowness of the canoe carved in wood and its immense Austronesian sail which reminds me of those of pirate ships.

You will admire the agility of the captain during his barefoot acrobatics to steer and navigate the canoe using an oar, the force of the wind and a rudder system at the back of the boat.

Do not hesitate to contact Captain Husseni (WhatsApp: +255777235013).

The time of your excursion will depend on the tides and waves.
Count a participation of $15 per person for a 1h30 ride.

Day 8 : Octopus fishing

# Octopus fishing

Still aboard a Ngalawa, set off at dawn for a very unusual excursion! Today I offer you artisanal octopus fishing! This takes place at low tide.

 

Only adult octopuses, therefore large calibers, are fished.

The babies are released. The fisherman locates in a sandy environment small holes in the reefs where the Octopus hide in broad daylight. In general, the octopus comes out to hunt at dusk. Using a rod designed for Octopus fishing, they bring them out and capture them. The experience is fun and impressive! If you scare the octopus, it drops its ink and moves quite quickly.

If he does not feel in danger, you can admire him moving gracefully. It is also interesting to touch its smooth and slightly slimy skin. If you have the courage to take it in hand, you will in turn discover this strange sensation when its tentacles cling and surround your forearms.

Do not forget your water shoes because the bottoms are rocky and sharp. The water will only come up to your ankles. At low tide, you will discover many species of starfish.

In general, the departure takes place around 8 am, depending on the tides. The return is around 10am. The experience will only cost you 20000 chilling.

Early in the morning, it is also not uncommon to see women or children picking up seaweed that is used to fertilize trees. In general, they are shipped to China.

Does this adventure interest you during your visit to Paje?
Do not hesitate to contact Mr Captain Husseni again (WhatsApp +255777235013).

# Transfer from Paje to Stone Town

Count $40 to $50 for a 1-hour private taxi ride to get to your next destination, which is the emblematic city of Stone Town.

# Where to sleep near Stone Town ?

I can recommend 2 places with completely different charm but which are very close to each other! Just take into account that its 2 hotels will be located 12km from the city center of Stone Town. Travel will therefore be by taxi (or with your rental car) to get there. You will therefore be a little out of the way but quiet.

For small budgets, I recommend without hesitation the authentic Jabar Lodge Zanzibar hotel. You will fall for sure under the charm of the pretty lodges with a direct view from your room on the sea and its magnificent sunsets. From your bungalow, you will even see Prison Island in the distance.

The cabins are very clean and well appointed with all the amenities you could want. The rooms are spacious and pleasant. They are entirely designed with durable materials!

The hotel offers direct access to the beach, which itself leads to a fish market.

You will enjoy going to bed or waking up to the sound of the waves, the sunrise and watching the early-morning fishermen!
A pure moment of relaxation and escape. The hotel staff is very helpful and smiling.

In the morning, they will take great care of you by bringing you your hearty breakfast included in the price of the night. They will also help you book a taxi for your trips around town. At Jabar Lodge you are in good hands!

If you have a slightly higher budget, I definitely recommend the Chuini zanzibar lodge hotel! The very luxurious hotel overlooks the sea with its breathtaking swimming pool and its crazy view of the ocean! The sunsets will leave you dreaming.

The remains of the historic Chuini Palace are still visible on the hotel site itself.

In addition, Chuini Zanzibar Lodge is very well located as it is close to Stone Tone. As soon as you arrive, the staff will welcome you with a quality neck massage in addition to a homemade juice offered by the management.

Make yourself comfortable in an armchair by the pool. Here, the holidays begin! You will appreciate the peace and quiet of the place. For your comfort, the hotel complex has a pool at the bar and a more intimate pool located just next to the relaxation area. The Spa is of very good quality and the setting is relaxing. The masseuses are impeccable.

A top-of-the-range restaurant will be at your disposal.

 

For amateurs, a selection of excellent wines will be offered. The restaurant food is delicious!

 

You have the option of staying in a villa on the seafront or in its very cozy bungalows. The cocooning decorated rooms are spacious. You will benefit from air conditioning.

Please note that the hotel complex does not have its own beach but is located very close to the sea.
To the right of the small fishing port is a bridge that you can take and which will allow you to walk to a pretty beach and swim.

Day 9 : The spicy farm

# Spicy Farm Kidichi

Spicy farm kidichi is a farm with precise and qualitative explanations about spices. The tour lasts about 3 hours. You will be accompanied by a very pedagogical and adorable guide. The visit is really very interesting. If you like spices, do not hesitate any longer and treat yourself to a pure moment of taste and olfactory escape!

Here is some knowledge acquired during our visit. Did you know that :
– Lemon grass is used for the production of tea, perfume and even for the manufacture of oils? Ditto, to replant the lemon grass, the latter is cut flush so that it grows back.

– The Turmeric has many properties. It is used in medicine, in cooking, for the manufacture of soaps or as a dye. It preserves youth!

– In Zanzibar, the king of spices is cloves. On the island, it is widely used to treat spasms. The clove is infused and then drunk. Its harvest is mostly sold to the government, which then resells it to other countries at an extremely high price.

– The other star of the country is pepper. Its color can be green, red or black. Boiled black pepper turns white! As a result, it becomes less strong in taste. Black pepper or black pepper tea is the strongest pepper for consumption. In Zanzibar, it is infused by breastfeeding mothers. She drinks this potion every morning so that the breast milk becomes stronger in taste for the baby.

Coming out of spicy farm kidichi, you will be unbeatable on spices. They will have no more secrets for you!

I also loved touching and testing the leaf of the mimosa flower. Indeed, the latter has the particularity of closing to protect itself. It is an extremely sensitive sheet! It closes instantly before your eyes and opens again 15 minutes later.

Take the test! Ditto, I could see a fruit called jack fruit of an impressive size.

The fruit can weigh up to 50 kilos! The Jack fruit has a taste combining banana and pineapple.

The visit to spicy farm kidici is very fun from start to finish. A demonstration was given to us to climb a coconut tree and we even had the right to a fresh coconut!

Throughout your visit, the guide will make lots of small handcrafted gifts made of palm leaves such as a crown, a bag or a ring. Plan a little change for the tips! You will look like a real African goddess!

At the end of the tour, you will finish your beauty treatment with a little touch of homemade perfumes with flowers or spices from the island.

Do not hesitate to contact Shaban for your purchases (+255773235859). You will succumb to the bewitching scent of ylang ylang, jasmine, aloe vera, lemon grass or eucalyptus. My favorite was the Zanzibar mix! Count 20,000 Schillings per perfume.

Day 10 : Prison Island & Stone Stone

# Prison Island

Prison Island is located off Stone Town. It is also known as Changuu Island or Quarantine Island. The crossing to get to Prison Island is $15 round trip per person. It is done by private water taxi at any time of the day and directly on site.

Above all, do not go through an agency! This will save you money. Allow 30 minutes for the crossing. It is short but slow because the boat engines are not powerful.
The visit of the old prison built by the 1st sultan of Zanzibar is very interesting. It was designed to condemn the former citizens of Zanzibar. Finally, it was never used for slaves and has become to this day a sanctuary for giant tortoises originating from the Seychelles and preserved on the island. The buildings were still used to house the sick quarantined on the island, hence its name.

On site once you arrive, you will pay a fee of 15,000 Schillings. You will meet magnificent giant tortoises, numbered and able to weigh more than 50 kg and live up to 130 years.

You will enjoy feeding them salad! They love it!

Their thick skin feels like leather. The feeling is amazing! They let themselves be caressed. The turtles are impressive in their size but are not at all fearful. You will love the experience.

 

The only negative point is that the experience remains very touristy. The turtles are in captivity on Prison Island. The visit is also limited to an allotted time. I found this concept quite frustrating!

# Discovering Stone Town

The historic quarter of Zanzibar is a must visit. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is steeped in history with its monuments such as religious buildings, the old fort and its emblematic gates.

I let you explore the maze of its narrow streets and discover Stone Town with the help of a local guide or alone. It’s a real maze! You will enjoy getting lost there.

The history of the slave trade in East Africa and the culture of Stone Town and Zanzibar is fascinating! Do not hesitate to go to the slavery memorial.

# Shopping in Stone Town

Meet local craftsmen by strolling through the alleys of Stone Town. You will love going through every doorstep of the small local stalls that offer an incredible variety of spices, textiles, craft workshops and so on.

 

You will certainly find your little souvenir gifts there before your departure. Do not hesitate to haggle! They are open-minded.

# Meet the inhabitants of Stone Town 

The natives of Zanzibar are really very welcoming and smiling.
For example, in the heart of Stone Town, we enjoyed chatting with a man who allowed us to touch and carry a baby lemur. It is not uncommon to also see a pseudo tame monkey. No compensation is required for a photo with the animals unlike in other countries.

# The Freddie Mercury museum

For Queen fans, I advise you to visit the emblematic house of Freddie Mercury, which has now become a museum. For information, this is the house where he was born and lived. Personally I have not visited it.

# Baobab sweets from Zanzibar

Do you know the tree called Baobab? Have you ever wondered the meaning of the word Baobab? Baobab is said to mean “many-seeded fruit”. But what are its seeds for in Zanzibar? They had the ingenious idea of making luscious flashy girly pink candies from these seeds! I promise you an explosion of flavors for your taste buds. My daughter and I love them!These little treats are 100% natural!No coloring or preservatives.

How do they make these sweets from Baobab seeds? The seeds are roasted and coated with sugar, vanilla and lipstick juice. You will be very amused as the lipstick juice will color your tongue. It bears its name well! You will easily find them in Stone Town and on the island.

# Darajani market 

Go to the Darajani market in the morning! It will be busier than the afternoon. It’s the constant hubbub! You will love the colors of the spices and their smells. I guarantee you a real change of scenery, both olfactory and visual!
The same will not have happened with the meat and fish displays. You have to have a strong heart! Possibility to choose your live poultry on site and have it slaughtered!
Suffice to say that I prefer to run in the fruit and vegetable sector, which is very abundant. I let you discover for yourself!

# House of wonders

For the tragedy, it is a magnificent Omanian palace, also called Beit-al-Ajaib, which collapsed on Christmas day 2020. It was built in 1883 and was the 1st building in East Africa to have an elevator.
Located on the seafront, you can see it. It cannot be visited. Once its restoration is complete, it will house a museum.

Day 11 : Visit to a charity school

Welcome to Ilda village where there is a charity school. Only about ten kilometers from Stone Town, don’t forget to go there to make a humanitarian donation! The school has approximately 2,300 children, many of whom are disadvantaged or orphans. Their ages range from birth to 10 years old. The school teaches in the morning and afternoon but always with different children so that all students have the chance to benefit from schooling.

When I arrived, I was introduced to the manager. The latter made me fill out and sign a visit book and an authorization allowing me to take photos and videos in order to be able to publish in my blog.

Me and my daughter had the pleasure of donating colored pencils and pens to several classes in the school. I encourage you to make a donation too!

The school is in dire need of medicines, bandages, school supplies and clothes for all the children. Unfortunately, I did not know this before my departure for Zanzibar. Do not hesitate to contact Farida to help you organize your visit!

 

That’s the end of our trip. It’s time for us to reach the airport, eyes full of stars and head of memories!

If you want to discover even more activities and places to visit in Zanzibar, we invite you to click on the banner below:

I hope you enjoyed this trip with me. I’ll give you an appointment soon for new adventures with a new Myoxybubble destination!

Do not hesitate to leave your comments on this article and to share your own experiences (the form is a little further down).
Need advice to organize your trip? Contact me !

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Advice

Transportation

As stated in the article, the easiest way is to get around by taxi.
I do not recommend renting a car because of the traffic, left-hand traffic, numerous controls and the difficulty of parking.
Dala Hala can also be an alternative if you are less in a hurry.

Money

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. TZS 10,000 = €4
But US$ and Euro can also be accepted.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants.
Always carry cash on you, preferably $ and Shilling.

Formalities

A visa is required to enter Tanzania/Zanzibar.
2 possibilities :
– Do it online before leaving to obtain an e-visa on the site eservices.immigration.go.tz.
– Establish one on the spot, when entering Tanzania (international airports, border crossings – Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Namanga). Remember to prepare $50 (or the equivalent in euros).

Before leaving

Don’t forget to take:
– sunscreen and sunglasses
– passport and e-visa
For electrical outlets, they are different from those in France. Remember to take a type G adapter.

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